Detention

Abstract

This chapter covers definitions and legal frameworks related to detention; negotiating access and maintaining operations in detention settings; identification of needs; medical and protection needs of detainees as well as challenges and dilemmas. The detention of irregular migrants, asylum seekers and refugees is a practice on the rise worldwide. Detention is often the main reason behind the deterioration of the health of detainees. Skin diseases, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions are common medical conditions in such environments. Due to poor living conditions, mental health disorders can also be caused or exacerbated by the environment. Episodes of torture and violence often occur. Working in detention settings poses both operational challenges and moral dilemmas – some found in any humanitarian setting, some specific to the detention system. The detention of people who have committed no ‘crime’ is a policy choice and is avoidable. In order to respond to the fear of complicity, it is essential for the organisations and people working in such settings to have a clear position towards the immigration detention practice. Operating in detention settings will raise challenges and moral dilemmas for humanitarian actors who must always be guided by the acceptance of beneficiaries and the ‘do no harm’ principle.